Yogyakarta, November 16, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a Retirement Seminar titled “Revealing the Transformative Power of Indonesia’s Inland Waters” at the Faculty of Biology Auditorium. This event marked the retirement of Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., after 41 years of dedicated service as a lecturer. The seminar also coincided with Prof. Suwarno’s 70th birthday, making it a truly special occasion.
The seminar featured 13 distinguished speakers, all former students of Prof. Suwarno, representing various universities and research institutions. More than 170 participants from diverse backgrounds attended the event.
The opening remarks were delivered by the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., who expressed deep gratitude for Prof. Suwarno’s dedication. “Prof. Suwarno has given us so much. We extend our heartfelt thanks and profound appreciation for his remarkable contributions,” he said.
The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., officially opened the event, stating, “The essence of this event is to honor Prof. Suwarno and convey our deepest gratitude, particularly from the Faculty of Biology UGM, for his dedication, commitment, and passion for his alma mater and the advancement of science.”
Following the remarks, attendees participated in a group photo session and were introduced to the new Biodiversity Curator Program—an innovative initiative supporting biodiversity conservation in Indonesia.
The seminar was divided into four sessions, each highlighting various aspects of Indonesia’s inland water potential and management challenges:
Session 1
Moderator: Siti Nurleily Marliana, Ph.D.
- Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. – The Variations and Multifunctions of Inland Waters
- Prof. Dr. Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, M.App.Sc. (Universitas Diponegoro) – Paleolimnology for Sustainable Lake Management
- Prof. Dr. Agatha Sih Piranti, M.Sc. (Universitas Jenderal Soedirma) – Cultural Eutrophication of Lakes/Reservoirs and Mitigation Efforts
- Prof. Dr. Suhestri Suryaningsih, M.Si. (Universitas Jenderal Soedirman) – The Role of Watersheds in Supporting River and Lake/Reservoir Fish Populations
Session 2
Moderator: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si.
- Dr. Ir. Sri Puji Saraswati, DIC., M.Sc. (UGM) – Eco-Hydrology of Aquatic Communities Amid Infrastructure Development
- Dr. Puguh Sujarta, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Cenderawasih) – Shallow Marine Conservation Culture
- Dr. Ervina Indrayani, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Cenderawasih) – Lake Sentani: Uniqueness and Richness of Its Biological Resources
Session 3
Moderator: Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, S.Si., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil.
- Dr. Ike Nurjuwita Nayasilana, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas Sebelas Mare) – Water Conservation and Wildlife
- Dr. Susintowati, S.Si., M.Si. (Universitas 17 August 1945) – Serious Threats to Coastal Communities
- Dr. Tatag Bagus Putra Prakarsa, S.Si., M.Sc. (Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta) – Underground Waters: Supporting Life for Cave-Dwelling Bats
Session 4
Moderator: Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, M.Sc.
- Dwinda Mariska Putri, S.Si., M.Sc. (National Research and Innovation Agency) – Vertical Distribution of Zooplankton in Lake Laut Tawar
- Heni Wahyu Sartika, S.Si., M.Sc. (UGM) – Belik River as a Flowing Water Management Model During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Maria Eva Kristiyani, S.Si., M.Sc. (De Britto College High School) – Coastal Waters for Aquaculture
- Carolina A. Inlandia, S.Si., M.Sc. (Environmental Consultant) – Water Pollution Potential and Management of Tambakboyo Reservoir, Sleman
To conclude the event, Prof. Suwarno generously distributed 70 copies of his book, “Kantong Terakhir Anak Adalah Amanah Tuhan” to participants.
The attendees extended their prayers and best wishes to Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., for his extraordinary dedication over the past 41 years. They wished him health, happiness, and blessings in his retirement. His legacy of knowledge and inspiration is expected to drive progress for future generations.
Thank you, Prof. Suwarno, for being a role model for us all.